Author: lakewooducc

Corona Sabbath 27 Remembering the founding of Lakewood UCC


These weeks when we cannot gather in person for Sunday worship, Lakewood United Church of Christ is providing brief weekly sabbath programs for you to listen to on your own or with others in your social isolation group. They will be posted on Friday so that you can schedule your sabbath time to suit your schedule and your spiritual inclinations. We hope these programs are of spiritual support to you in these difficult times.

The post this week focuses on the founding of Lakewood United Church of Christ in September of 1967. When we look back from the vantage point of today, it might seem like a strange time to be founding a church. And yet here we are. And it is another VERY strange time. The Bible helps us to see why the church was important then, and why it is VERY important now!

This post includes two scripture readings offered by Jim Andrews, a reflection from Rev. Kim Wells, and a musical offering from Hilton Jones. We hope this post helps to feed your spirit in these uncertain times.

You are invited to find a quiet space, inside or outside. Light a candle. Since this post focuses on Lakewood Church and Charter Sunday, you may want to have something in view that reminds you of the church. Take a look around you. Breathe. Life-giving breath. Be present.

You may begin with this reading:

Show me the suffering of the most miserable;
So I will know my people’s plight.

Free me to pray for others;
For you are present in every person.

Help me to take responsibility for my own life;
So that I can be free at last.

Grant me courage to serve others;
For in service there is true life.

Give me honesty and patience;
So that I can work with other workers.

Bring forth song and celebration;
So that the spirit will be alive among us.

Let the spirit flourish and grow;
So we will never tire of the struggle.

Let us remember those who have died for justice;
For they have given us life.

Help us love even those who hate us;
So we can change the world.

–Written by Cesar E. Chavez, UFW Founder (1927-1993)

This prayer was chosen because since its founding in 1967, LUCC has supported the farm worker movement. The words of this prayer embody not only the hopes and dreams of the Farm Workers but also of the LUCC congregation.

When you are ready, start the audio below.

Rev. Wells’ Reflection
(For written text of the above video click HERE.)

As you listen to the music which follows, you are invited to notice the thoughts and feelings that arise for you.

Hilton’s music

After viewing the music video, you are invited to offer the following closing –

You are the Promise of our wholeness,
You await our readiness
to choose Life.
Your covenant of Love stands firm
through all the ages;
You forgive us when we stray
far from Home.
Help us to learn to trust You,
to untangle the webs of illusion
we have made.
As we sift through our dreams,
guide us to the only Dream
that brings peace –
knowing we belong to You.
Give us wisdom and courage
to release all that binds us;
for to face what is built on illusion
is to find new life.

–From Psalms for Praying by Nan C. Merrill

Breathe. Breathe again. Be filled. With the desire for wholeness. Extinguish your candle and engage whatever may come with a sense of peace and a desire to serve.

LAKEWOOD UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST

The mission of Lakewood United Church of Christ, as part of the Church Universal, is to:

  • Celebrate the presence and power of God in our lives and in our world;
  • Offer the hospitality and inclusive love of Christ to all people;
  • Work for God’s peace and justice throughout creation.

USEFUL LAKEWOOD LINKS DURING THE CORONA CRISIS:

Weekly Update 9/17

WHAT IS GOING ON AT CHURCH –

Corona Sabbath 27

The post this week focuses on the founding of Lakewood United Church of Christ in September of 1967.  When we look back from the vantage point of today, it might seem like a strange time to be founding a church.  And yet here we are.  And it is another VERY strange time.  The Bible lessons for this week help us to see why the church was important then, and why it is VERY important now! In the post, Jim Andrews will read Exodus 16:1-15 and Matthew 20:1-16.  There will be a reflection from Rev. Wells and music from Hilton Jones.  

If you missed last week’s Corona Sabbath, the theme was Freedom . Here’s the link: https://lakewooducc.org/2020/09/10/corona-sabbath-26/

Gratitude from Rev. Wells

Kim would like to thank everyone for their good wishes and prayers related to her heel surgery. The recovery process has become prolonged due to an infection.

Adult Day Care Update

The adult day care is moving forward with mitigating the asbestos in the ceiling of the Fellowship Hall building.  To facilitate this process, some of their furnishings and equipment are now being stored in the sanctuary.  The program will open as soon as the facilities are ready.  The church is grateful to be in partnership with Neighborly Services in meeting this need in the community.  

Register to Vote

Ok.  You are probably registered to vote.  But can you check with others?  Set a goal for yourself like 2 people a day.  And ask two people a day if they are registered to vote.  Yes, with COVID, many are on restricted activities, but ask the receptionist when you call the doctor, ask the server when you pick up take out food, ask the clerk at the grocery store, ask the delivery person who brings you your medications.  Ask in an email to someone you do business with.  Ask a family member, near or far.  Try setting a goal and fulfilling it.  Or exceeding it!  It is very important to our faith and our values that we encourage EVERYONE to vote!  

Church School?

The Education Ministry Team met last week and has made some plans for the Fall.  They are reaching out to teachers and students as the school year begins.  After Labor Day, a new initiative will begin that will include all of the children and youth of the church family that would like to participate.  Grown ups, this will be for you, too!  You’ll hear more about it soon!

Zooms Ahead

All church Zoom gatherings will resume when Rev. Wells is “on her feet” again – literally!  If the church can be of help in any way, please contact the church office or Kim Wells directly.  

 Have you completed the Census?

Great!  So maybe now you can encourage others to complete the Census as well. If you would like assistance in submitting your Census information, please contact the church and someone will help you.

Sunday Evening Demonstration for Racial Justice Grows!   

The Black Lives Matter and Peace and Justice Demonstration continues on 54th Ave South each Sunday evening. This is an important way to inspire hope in the community and to work to create an anti-racist society.  

All are welcome Sunday evenings. Please note that in September the new time is 7:00 – 7:30 p.m. at the church. In case of rain, the demonstration will not be held that week. Know justice, know peace!

 Click here to see pictures of the most recent witness.  https://lakewooducc.org/2020/08/26/weekly-anti-racism-demonstration-8-23/

This Sunday

The church will not be open from 10:30 to 11:30.  The sanctuary will be open again on Sundays when Rev. Wells has recovered from surgery.  

Look for a Corona Sabbath post on Friday.  Check for it at the website – lakewooducc.org
Also, please subscribe to the website so that you receive regular updates about church life. 

Weekly Labyrinth Walks Continue

Each Wednesday at 9:00 a.m. a small group gathers at the outdoor labyrinth for a time of devotion, discussion, and meditative walking of the labyrinth.  The theme for the week is taken from the Corona Sabbath of the week before, so it is an opportunity to go deeper in the spiritual exploration of that theme for your life.  This devotional gathering is outside and physical distancing is maintained. All are welcome!

If there is rain on Wednesday morning, the gathering will be held on Thursday morning at 9:00.

https://lakewooducc.org/2020/06/23/labyrinth-has-been-refurbished

Spiritual Direction Offered by LUCC Clergy Member.

In these troubled times, it is important to find ways to tend to our spiritual lives. In the Christian tradition, Spiritual Direction is one of the ways of paying attention to the spirit in our lives. A Spiritual Director is someone to talk with about what is going on in our spiritual life and in our relationship with God however we may conceive of God.

Rev. Sally Purvis, Ph.D., a member of LUCC, is a retired clergy person with training and experience in Spiritual Direction. She is offering her services as a Spiritual Director to the community. The sessions would be held on Zoom and there is no fee to be paid. Church leaders are pleased to have the ministry of the church expand in this way.

Spiritual Direction with Sally is open to anyone, not just the congregation. And it is offered to everyone whatever their spiritual or religious background or affiliation or lack thereof. Sessions are generally held once every three weeks. Spiritual Direction is not a mode of therapy. It is a process for understanding and deepening your relationship with God/Spirit in ways that are authentic and life-giving.

Sally was trained by Henri Nouwen, a noted spiritual guide of the 20th century, and did Spiritual Direction as part of her professional ministry before retiring in 2015.

If you would like to explore Spiritual Direction with Sally, please contact her at
sallybpurvis@icloud.com or contact the church (867-7961 or lakewooducc@gmail.com ).

The church is very grateful to Sally for offering this avenue of support to the congregation and the community.

USEFUL LAKEWOOD LINKS DURING THE CORONA CRISIS:

For the above church website links, please note the “Older Posts” button near bottom of each page.

Daily Corona Prayer

https://lakewooducc.org/2020/03/20/lucc-corona-daily-prayer

Assistance Available

If you need help of any kind – something from the store, someone to talk with, support managing during shelter-in-place, parenting concerns – please know that the church is ready and willing to help in any way needed.  This situation is trying for everyone.  You are not alone.  We’ll make it through together.  Please contact the church office (lakewooducc@gmail.com or 867-7961 or Rev. Kim Wells at wells.kim.p@gmail.com).  

Miss someone from church?  Give them a call or send a note.  Personal contact is so important when physical contact is limited.  

Music Ministry

About Hilton’s music. . . If you would enjoy hearing Hilton play more Irish folk songs, you can
listen for free at either https://hiltonjones.bandcamp.com/album/irish-
tunes or https://soundcloud.com/hilton-kean-jones/sets/irish-tunes .

September Birthdays: Kim Wells 9/19, Joanne Reid 9/22, Wilbur Reid 9/22, Donald Ritchie 9/27, and Carolyn Moore 9/30. Someone missing? Contact the church office with birthday information.

Circle of Concern: Carol Shores and family, JoAnn Reid, William Owen, Wilbur Reid, Martha Lamar, Jen Degroot, Carolyn Moore, Ann Quinn, Maggie Brizendine, Dave Radens,Kim Wells, Elinor Ross, Yvonne Riesen, teachers, students, and school personnel, Barbara Donohue, Dana Cosper’s cousin, Vern McKinney, and all healthcare workers and essential workers. All those suffering from COVID-19.

Please keep LUCC member, Olivia Gibson, in your prayers. She is a nurse in a COVID-19 unit in a local hospital. We are grateful for her ministry!

Recent Posts:

Weekly Update: If you are involved with an activity or event that you would like to share with the LUCC family, please send the information to the Church Office by Tuesday since the Update usually is sent out on Wednesday.

Corona Sabbath 26


These weeks when we cannot gather in person for Sunday worship, Lakewood United Church of Christ is providing brief weekly sabbath programs for you to listen to on your own or with others in your social isolation group. They will be posted on Friday so that you can schedule your sabbath time to suit your schedule and your spiritual inclinations. We hope these programs are of spiritual support to you in these difficult times.

The post this week focuses on freedom.

There is a well known scripture lesson about the Hebrews escaping from slavery in Egypt through the Red Sea, an audio reflection from Rev. Kim Wells, and a musical offering from Hilton Jones.

You are invited to find a quiet space, inside or outside. Light a candle. Take a look around you. Breathe. Life-giving breath. Be present.

You may begin with this reading:

There is scarcely any passion without struggle.

–Albert Camus, The Myth of Sisyphus and Other Essays, 20th century

When you are ready, start the audio recording below.

REV WELLS AND EARL WATERS (audio recording)
(For written text of the above video click HERE.)

As you listen to the music which follows (click on the Kok mish p’chot link below), you are invited to notice the thoughts and feelings and that arise for you.

KOL MISH P’CHOT (audio recording)
composed by Hilton Kean Jones, performed by the University of South Florida Chamber Singers, Robert Summer, director.

After listening to the music, you are invited to offer the following closing –

The truth is that our finest moments are most likely to occur when we are feeling deeply uncomfortable, unhappy, or unfulfilled. For it is only in such moments, propelled by our discomfort, that we are likely to step out of our ruts and start searching for different ways or truer answers.

–M. Scott Peck, 20th century

Breathe. Breathe again. Be filled. With the desire for freedom. Extinguish your candle and engage whatever may come with a sense of peace and a desire to serve.

LAKEWOOD UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST

The mission of Lakewood United Church of Christ, as part of the Church Universal, is to:

  • Celebrate the presence and power of God in our lives and in our world;
  • Offer the hospitality and inclusive love of Christ to all people;
  • Work for God’s peace and justice throughout creation.

USEFUL LAKEWOOD LINKS DURING THE CORONA CRISIS:

Weekly Update 9/10


WHAT IS GOING ON AT CHURCH –

Corona Sabbath 26

What does it take to be free?  The story of the parting of the Red Sea invites reflection on freedom as the Egyptian army is swallowed up by the returning waters.  Take a look at Exodus 14: 19-31.  In this week’s Corona Sabbath, Hilton offers the music and Earl Waters reads the scripture.  It will be posted on Friday. 

If you missed last week’s Corona Sabbath, the theme was Awe and Wonder. Here’s the link: https://lakewooducc.org/2020/09/04/corona-sabbath-25-wonder-and-awe/ 

Gratitude from Rev. Wells

Kim would like to thank everyone for their good wishes and prayers related to her heel surgery. The recovery process has become prolonged due to an infection.

It’s Back to School the Tipsy-Turvy 2020 Way!!!

This back to school sign slogan created by Ruth Pettis became the theme of the Sunday and Tuesday LUCC back to school drive-by celebrations for LUCC teachers and students. Dodging the Sunday afternoon rain, thunder and puddles, church members drove across town distributing cards and gift bags packed with school supplies and goodies to students and teachers. The Tuesday drive by was warmed by the sun and the hearts of all who participated. That drive-by ended with Jeff dropping off a back to school gift bag at the church for Gabi. Both drive bys were successful events in extending this LUCC message of love and support: “Your LUCC Family Supports you All the Way!” Thank you to all who participated in the wonderful celebration, especially the students and teachers who shared their smiles and inspiration with all!

View the pictures here: https://lakewooducc.org/2020/09/03/its-back-to-school-the-tipsy-turvy-2020-way/

Church Library Makeover

Claire Stiles and Colleen Coughenour are hard at work cleaning up and reorganizing the church library.  There are many wonderful books that are “hiding under a bushel.”  When Colleen and Claire are done, the books will be accessible and displayed in an attractive manner.  What a beautiful anticipatory gesture of the time when we are all coming to the church again!  

Finance Follow Up

Several weeks ago, the Finance Team shared a letter about the current state of the church finances.  The information is also available at the church website.

https://lakewooducc.org/2020/08/26/church-finances-letter/

Many thanks to the church family and beyond for your generosity! With your continued faithfulness, the church should be able to stay on steady ground in these uncertain days.

Church School?

The Education Ministry Team met last week and has made some plans for the Fall.  They are reaching out to teachers and students as the school year begins.  After Labor Day, a new initiative will begin that will include all of the children and youth of the church family that would like to participate.  Grown ups, this will be for you, too!  You’ll hear more about it soon!

Charter Sunday Zoom Ahead

Each year in September, there is a celebration of the founding of LUCC in 1967.  Look for details about a Zoom later this month commemorating this wonderful church ever seeking to bear witness to the love of God as we know it through the ministry of Jesus.  What has LUCC meant to you and your life?  Together we’ll give thanks for this wonderful congregation!

 Have you completed the Census?

Please participate in the US Census which is mandated by the Constitution.  These numbers determine the allocation of many resources that directly impact each of us in the community. Participation in the Census, like voting, is a way of showing love for your neighbor and your community.  If you would like assistance in submitting your Census information, please contact the church and someone will help you.

Operation Attack Update

Dear Friends of Operation Attack,

 A team of people from Operation Attack, Lake view Presbyterian, and Circle of Faith have determined a way that we can distribute food safely to the community.  We are going to have a Food Distribution Drive-Thru on Saturday, September 12, from 9-12 at Lakeview Presbyterian Church.  You can become involved in any or all of the following ways:

 Donate Cereal, Peanut Butter, Pasta, Pasta Sauce, or canned meat Volunteer for preparation tasks before the Drive-Thru Volunteer on September 12 Donate money Pray for all the people/groups making this event happen 

You are welcome to reply to dklamer@tampabay.rr.com with questions and/or information on how you would like to participate in this Drive-Thru. 

Thank you for your longtime faithfulness to Operation Attack and the families in our community.   Stay Safe and Be Well 

Sunday Evening Demonstration for Racial Justice Grows!   

The Black Lives Matter and Peace and Justice Demonstration continues on 54th Ave South each Sunday evening. This is an important way to inspire hope in the community and to work to create an anti-racist society.  

All are welcome Sunday evenings. Please note that in September the new time is 7:00 – 7:30 p.m. at the church. In case of rain, the demonstration will not be held that week. Know justice, know peace!

 Click here to see pictures of the most recent witness.  https://lakewooducc.org/2020/08/26/weekly-anti-racism-demonstration-8-23/

This Sunday

The church will not be open from 10:30 to 11:30.  The sanctuary will be open again on Sundays when Rev. Wells has recovered from surgery.  

Look for a Corona Sabbath post on Friday.  Check for it at the website – lakewooducc.org
Also, please subscribe to the website so that you receive regular updates about church life. 

Weekly Labyrinth Walks Continue

Each Wednesday at 9:00 a.m. a small group gathers at the outdoor labyrinth for a time of devotion, discussion, and meditative walking of the labyrinth.  The theme for the week is taken from the Corona Sabbath of the week before, so it is an opportunity to go deeper in the spiritual exploration of that theme for your life.  This devotional gathering is outside and physical distancing is maintained. All are welcome!

If there is rain on Wednesday morning, the gathering will be held on Thursday morning at 9:00.

https://lakewooducc.org/2020/06/23/labyrinth-has-been-refurbished

Spiritual Direction Offered by LUCC Clergy Member.

In these troubled times, it is important to find ways to tend to our spiritual lives. In the Christian tradition, Spiritual Direction is one of the ways of paying attention to the spirit in our lives. A Spiritual Director is someone to talk with about what is going on in our spiritual life and in our relationship with God however we may conceive of God.

Rev. Sally Purvis, Ph.D., a member of LUCC, is a retired clergy person with training and experience in Spiritual Direction. She is offering her services as a Spiritual Director to the community. The sessions would be held on Zoom and there is no fee to be paid. Church leaders are pleased to have the ministry of the church expand in this way.

Spiritual Direction with Sally is open to anyone, not just the congregation. And it is offered to everyone whatever their spiritual or religious background or affiliation or lack thereof. Sessions are generally held once every three weeks. Spiritual Direction is not a mode of therapy. It is a process for understanding and deepening your relationship with God/Spirit in ways that are authentic and life-giving.

Sally was trained by Henri Nouwen, a noted spiritual guide of the 20th century, and did Spiritual Direction as part of her professional ministry before retiring in 2015.

If you would like to explore Spiritual Direction with Sally, please contact her at
sallybpurvis@icloud.com or contact the church (867-7961 or lakewooducc@gmail.com ).

The church is very grateful to Sally for offering this avenue of support to the congregation and the community.

USEFUL LAKEWOOD LINKS DURING THE CORONA CRISIS:

For the above church website links, please note the “Older Posts” button near bottom of each page.

Daily Corona Prayer

https://lakewooducc.org/2020/03/20/lucc-corona-daily-prayer

Assistance Available

If you need help of any kind – something from the store, someone to talk with, support managing during shelter-in-place, parenting concerns – please know that the church is ready and willing to help in any way needed.  This situation is trying for everyone.  You are not alone.  We’ll make it through together.  Please contact the church office (lakewooducc@gmail.com or 867-7961 or Rev. Kim Wells at wells.kim.p@gmail.com).  

Miss someone from church?  Give them a call or send a note.  Personal contact is so important when physical contact is limited.  

Music Ministry

About Hilton’s music. . . If you would enjoy hearing Hilton play more Irish folk songs, you can
listen for free at either https://hiltonjones.bandcamp.com/album/irish-
tunes or https://soundcloud.com/hilton-kean-jones/sets/irish-tunes .

September Birthdays: Kim Wells 9/19, Joanne Reid 9/22, Wilbur Reid 9/22, Donald Ritchie 9/27, and Carolyn Moore 9/30. Someone missing? Contact the church office with birthday information.

Circle of Concern: Carol Shores and family, JoAnn Reid, William Owen, Wilbur Reid, Martha Lamar, Jen Degroot, Carolyn Moore, Ann Quinn, Maggie Brizendine, Dave Radens, Dana Cosper’s cousin, Vern McKinney, and all healthcare workers and essential workers. All those suffering from COVID-19.

Please keep Rev. Wells in your prayers as she continues to recover from surgery.

You are encouraged to pray and express your support to students, teachers, and families as the school year begins. These are very challenging times for all!  There is concern for the physical, emotional, and spiritual health of all involved in the educational system.  The LUCC faith community has several teachers and families with students and this has been a very difficult time for them all.

 Please keep Elinor Ross and family in your prayers.  Elinor has moved in with her daughter, Cheryl, and is under Hospice care  

Please keep Yvonne Riesen and family in your prayers.  Yvonne has moved again to a larger apartment in the assisted living at Westminster Suncoast.  Calls and notes are a way to show your concern and support to Yvonne. Call the main desk and they will connect you:  727-867-1131.

Please keep LUCC member, Olivia Gibson, in your prayers. She is a nurse in a COVID-19 unit in a local hospital. We are grateful for her ministry!

Recent Posts:

Weekly Update: If you are involved with an activity or event that you would like to share with the LUCC family, please send the information to the Church Office by Tuesday since the Update usually is sent out on Wednesday.